Cheviot Marsh – 4 Ply (full skein)

Through the windows of Whistlebare are quite some views. To the East is the roaring North Sea and to the South and West the majestic Cheviot Hills. We take great pride in reflecting this spectacular landscape and the woolly history of Northumberland in the yarns we produce. Cheviot Marsh embodies this entirely. It is woollen spun from sheep that are less than six months old and so is 100% lambs wool, and comes from animals that graze the College Valley at the heart of the Cheviot Hills.

Cheviot Marsh is a blend of Cheviot and Romney Marsh. Cheviots are hardy little sheep quite at home in the hills. Their fleece is robust and warm but thanks to some judicious crossing with merinos, by monks in the 17th century, rather softer than that of other hill breeds. Romney Marsh originate from the inhospitable marshlands of Kent where they were bred for their semi-lustrous longwool much prized in medieval Britain. These sheep are tough little characters that have taken well to their new home in the hills.

Cheviot Marsh is a warm, buoyant yarn that only improves with washing and wearing. It is perfect for comforting everyday jerseys that wrap you in love whilst still looking looking smart. Its stitch definition is fabulous, think elaborate cables or colour work in a garment that will fast become a go to staple of your wardrobe, warm, snuggly and progressively softer.

Our Cheviot Marsh 4 Ply Full Skein yarn is currently available in the following colours:

Direct from the wilds of Northumberland

Here at Whistlebare producing yarn is entirely a family affair. Every stage of the process is in our hands from selecting the livestock to labelling the last skein of yarn. When you buy natural yarn from Whistlebare you know that it has been produced with the utmost care; both for its quality and beauty, and its concern for animal welfare and environmental impact.

This still applies when we include fibre from other farms. The wool in our Cheviot Marsh was sourced from friends who farm the College Valley in the Cheviot Hills, a few miles from Whistlebare, whose animal husbandry and welfare standards we admire.